My name is Ethan Alderlieste, I am 17 years old and have had the most incredible season, rowing with an inspiring bunch of boys at CBHS and strived to accomplish goals that we set out to achieve. I decided that I would use what motivates me, what pushed me and what empowers me to do what I can to help the people who help the neglected and discarded animals in our country.

Unfortunately we live in a disposable world where very little value is placed on so many things - including the lives of so many neglected and abandoned animals who struggle to survive in this throwaway society.

Organisations like Marlborough Dog Pawz and Furever homes are made up of volunteers who rely on support and donations from the community to help them provide shelter, medication, food and love for these animals, often putting their hands into their own pockets to make sure every animal is cared for. Behind these organisations are people who foster the animals, take them into their homes, give them love, show them kindness until they are ready to move into their forever home.

These organisations are the voices for the animals who they cannot speak for themselves. They are the champions for the neglected and discarded. And they are the educators in our community, helping those who need to understand the importance of how to care for their animals, to value them and to keep them safe.

Having seen first hand the horrifying result of this, I decided that I wanted to do what I could to support the incredible people who do what they can to help the animals in our country that are unable to speak for themselves.

Over the month of August, I plan to jump on the erg and attempt to row 310,000 metres (310km) which is the equivalent distance of SH1 from Blenheim to Christchurch and I would value your support on my journey to conquer this. Any financial help would be much appreciated for this worthwhile cause.

Ethan Alderlieste's involvement (page creator)

Been involved and witnessed their amazing work they do for all animals